Remote Access Tools now Targeting Android Devices Using APK Binder

A new Kind of threat Looms around your android devices these days. Programs called Remote Access Tool (RAT), written in Java are circulating the web. This program is being propagated along with Latest news and people receive it as a mail document attachment along with other legitimate harmless files. If you click on it, it will give a remote computer access to control your device. More over since this program is written in Java it will work on all operating systems including Linux, Windows, Mac, Solaris etc.

Binder is another tool which coupled with RAT has been specially designed to target android devices. With India emerging as a Big Android market with more than 90% share among various Mobile O.S. this threat seems more imminent in India.

Late last year we saw the emergence of new tool AndroRAT which was also a Java Applet targeting Android devices, now the binder tool allows cyber criminals to repackage AndroRAT to trojanize Android apps.The RAT comes in Android Application format APK, It can be used to infect any android APP with ease. When a user installs that Android APP the RAT get installed along side and thus allowing a remote user access to your device. Symantec has counted 23 popular legitimate Android Apps infected by AndroRAT till date, Which in itself is quite a significant number.

Symantec also spotted another RAT Adwin which also features Graphical user interface and already works on various O.S. it is now incorporating AndroRAT source code to target Android Devices.

At present this RAT is popular in USA and Turkey, but seeing its Open source code, ease of operation and increasing popularity this has the potential to be a major threat in the upcoming days. It is expected to be customized with various other types of threats and come in more sophisticated versions. To ensure your safety you can start by installing security apps like Nortan Security App and follow general safety measures like not keeping crucially important information like credit card and bank account details on your smartphones.

The Author spent a significant chunk of his formative years resisting technology. He now keeps an eye on where the world is heading to, and drives a passive pleasure from this indulgence. His passion to write, learn and improve drives him each day. When his day ends, he enjoys the pleasant languor and detoxifies with family. You can connect with him on Google+ and Twitter